Biologists, economists, and ecologists have gathered at the Vatican to discuss what actions humanity can take to preserve Earth’s biosphere . Attending the Biological Extinction conference, these researchers say one in five species are currently threatened with extinction , but that statistic could skyrocket to 50 percent of all species on Earth by 2100 if we do nothing to stem the preventable carnage. The conference organizers said endangered species like the rhinoceros or tiger may make headlines now and again, but we’re largely overlooking the peril other living things face. In case we think otherwise, Earth’s animals and plants are vital for the planet and for us: they provide food and medicine, absorb carbon emissions , purify the air and water, and regenerate soil, to name a few functions. The organizers said, “The living fabric of the world is slipping through our fingers without our showing much sign of caring.” Related: First mammal species succumbs to climate change Paul Ehrlich, a biologist from Stanford University , blamed the destruction of the environment on the lifestyles of rich Western countries. He said, “Rich Western countries are now siphoning up the planet’s resources and destroying its ecosystems at an unprecedented rate. We want to build highways across the Serengeti to get more rare earth minerals for our cellphones. We grab all the fish from the sea, wreck the coral reefs , and put carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. We have triggered a major extinction event. The question is: how do we stop it?” Researchers will be at the Vatican today talking about economic and social changes we could take to try and save the planet’s species. The Pontifical Academy of Sciences and Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences are sponsoring the workshop, which continues until March 1 to explore several ecological issues. Ehrlich said, “If you look at the figures, it is clear that to support today’s world population sustainably – and I emphasize the word sustainably – you would require another half a planet to provide us with those resources. However, if everyone consumed resources at the U.S. level – which is what the world aspires to – you will need another four or five Earths.” Via The Guardian Images via Pixabay and Pexels

Comments Off on Ecuador indigenous leader opposed to mining found dead days before UN climate conference

A dark shadow has been cast over the upcoming international climate talks in Lima, Peru – as the body of an indigenous leader opposed to a major mining project in Ecuador was recently found bound and buried. The Guardian reports that José Isidro Tendetza Antún, the former vice-president of the Shuar Federation of Zamora , was missing since Nov. 28 after he was last seen heading to meet some people protesting against the Mirador copper and gold mine . After his son Jorge got a tip, his body was found in a grave marked “No Name,” with arms and legs tied by a blue rope. Tendetza was planning to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference currently underway in Lima, Peru. Read the rest of Ecuador indigenous leader opposed to mining found dead days before UN climate conference Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: change , climate , conference , copper , ecuador , GOLD , lima , mine , mining , mirador , peru , shuar , Tendetza

Comments Off on San Francisco’s The Bold Italic Launches The Sum Conference

San Francisco-based The Bold Italic , a web publication, events producer, online shop, and creative services studio, is presenting The Sum , its first annual two-day creative conference, on November 6th and 7th, 2014. The Sum will bring together people from a variety of industries and disciplines to cultivate their collective creativity and re-imagine possibilities for themselves and their cities. If you are going to be in the Bay Area on those dates, The Bold Italic is offering Inhabitat readers a discount on conference fees, read on for details. Read the rest of San Francisco’s The Bold Italic Launches The Sum Conference Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: Art , Billy Sorrentino , Candy Chang , conference , creative conference , Design , Joshua Wolf Shenk , Karen Cheng , reader discount , reader offer , San Francisco , Scott Doorley , The Bold Italic , The Sum , workshops , Zach Klein

When VLK Architects was hired to design iProspect ’s new office in Fort Worth, they sought to intertwine the city’s historical elements with a high-tech industry. The use of wood, metal, railroad ties & historic glazing reflects materials found in Fort Worth stockyards. The rehabilitated, one-story warehouse features an open layout, so employees can focus on collaborative team building. The design team used sustainable strategies such as salvaging existing walls for partitions and using reclaimed wood for the sliding barn doors. + VLK Architects The article above was submitted to us by an Inhabitat reader. Want to see your story on Inhabitat ? Send us a tip by following this link . Remember to follow our instructions carefully to boost your chances of being chosen for publishing! Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: “sustainable architecture” , eco building , fort worth , green architecture , Green Building , green design , green office , green renovation , iProspect , renovated warehouse , Sustainable Building , sustainable design , VLK Architects

The BSR Conference 2012 will help companies create lasting change over the years to come. Bringing together a global community of more than 1,000 leaders from business, civil society, and the public sector, the annual BSR Conference is one of the world’s largest and most influential events devoted to sustainable business. Our 20th anniversary Conference agenda will provide the inspiration, networking, and practical learning to fast forward your progress toward a just and sustainable world.

The Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business is pleased to present the Sustainable Enterprise Conference offered in cooperation with the Tulsa Metro Chamber and corporate sponsors. This conference brings together experts on a national and regional level that will address sustainable enterprise and its impact.